Salt deposits on stone can typically be removed by a straightforward method involving water and a brush.
Simple Solution for Removing Salt Deposits
The primary method for getting rid of salt deposits, which are usually water-soluble, is through a combination of washing and scrubbing. This method is both practical and effective for most situations.
Steps for Removing Salt Deposits:
- Prepare: Gather a garden hose with a nozzle and a stiff-bristle brush.
- Washing: Thoroughly wet the affected stone surface with water from the garden hose.
- Scrubbing: Use the stiff-bristle brush to scrub the salt deposits while continuing to wash the stone with the water. This action will help to dislodge and wash away the salt.
- Rinsing: Ensure you rinse off any remaining residue to prevent new salt deposits forming once the area dries.
- Repeat: For stubborn deposits, repeat the washing and scrubbing steps as necessary.
Why This Method Works
This approach is successful because salt deposits are water-soluble. The water helps to dissolve the salts while the scrubbing action aids in removing them from the stone's surface.
Additional Notes:
- For very heavy deposits, you might need to repeat the process several times.
- Ensure you're using a stiff-bristled brush, not a metal one, to avoid scratching the stone surface.
- The reference indicates that "these types of surface deposits are water soluble and can usually be removed by washing the wall with water from a garden hose supplemented by scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush."
